Ekta Grande project/AR-1 variation

[Coasttocoast]

I have started building a set of Ekta Grande speakers (Troels Gravesen). The driver layout, drivers, crossover, faceting on the front baffle, dampening, and internal volume are all to the original design. My cabinets, however, in shape and finish will be similar to Sony's flagship speaker, the AR-1's.

I have received the drivers and are about 50% done with the cabinets. I need to order crossover parts. My question is that Janzen has given me the option of upgrading to wax coils.

Anyone with experience to compare pros/cons?

image.jpg

[Coasttocoast]

I've finished laying up the cabinet sides (3 layers 3/8" plywood) and started skimming with body filler. Final finish will be a 2 part, base coat/clear coat automotive paint, high gloss black. I went ahead and ordered the wax coils suggested by Jantzen, and approved by Troels to work with his crossover design.

The crossovers will be mounted in the base section, closed off from the cabinet interior, accessible through a removable aluminum cover plate.

Open to anyone building this design having comments or suggestions.



image.jpg

[adason]

looking good so far...

[Coasttocoast]

Adason, thanks for the reply.

[Coasttocoast]

Drivers used;
image.jpg

[Igor]

Hi CtC

take a look at my Ekta's Troelsova Ekta Grande - Project gallery/WIKI - diyaudio.rs

I also change assimetrical original look, buy Jantzen parts, have separate compartment for XO, also use Scan not Vifa RR,...And I hope u will be pleased with sound as I'm!

Good luck and keep us informed!

I

[cersepn]

Look fantastic, nice job! Please show us pictures when it's finally completed

[Coasttocoast]

Originally Posted by Igor

Hi CtC

take a look at my Ekta's Troelsova Ekta Grande - Project gallery/WIKI - diyaudio.rs

I also change assimetrical original look, buy Jantzen parts, have separate compartment for XO, also use Scan not Vifa RR,...And I hope u will be pleased with sound as I'm!

Good luck and keep us informed!

I

Igor, thanks for your reply! Yes I saw your build on Troels site. Beautiful wood.

I bought all ScanSpeak drivers, and I ordered all the crossover parts from Jantzen;

image.jpg

I ordered the upgrade wax coils, is that what you did?

[Coasttocoast]

Spent the day at our company's shop with the CNC tech to cut the speaker openings in the baffle. Here's a shot to verify alignment sincere I had already started shaping the faceting and the mid-woofers cut out starts only a couple mm's from the edge;

image.jpg

[Igor]

I ordered the upgrade wax coils, is that what you did?[/QUOTE]

Yes,

Wax coils (1.2mH and 0.39mH), air cores (all others), SilverZ caps, Mills resistors, Cardas wires. Standard quality, nothing insane here :-)
I also modifies 12M 'box'. I didn't like sqare shape of original so I use iregural shape in my Ekta's. Keep volume around 3 liters (more than enough). That helps me a bit to increase volume for two 18's. This was very important part, to keep size moderate (WAF).

If I remeber, netto volume for bass cabinet is around 60 liters. And, I use one port (better for my room).

BR,

I